Founders

Terry Brunner, Chief Program Officer

After spending more than 20 years in New Mexico public policy and community development, Terry helped found Grow New Mexico to continue his work to advance New Mexico communities.

Prior to founding Grow New Mexico, Terry spent 7 years as President Obama's appointee to the position of USDA New Mexico State Director for Rural Development . During that time, he managed investments of more than $1 billion in housing, small business, renewable energy, and utilities in rural areas throughout New Mexico. Before his time at USDA he served as former U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman's State Director for 7 years.

Terry holds a B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Arizona and a M.A. In Latin American Studies with an emphasis in Community and Regional Planning from the University of New Mexico.

Phil Schiliro, Senior Advisor

New Mexico is a wonderful place to live, but Phil joined Terry in creating Grow New Mexico because not all communities are reaching the full potential the state can offer.

Phil spent over 25 years working in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate on a wide range of policy issues. He was the Chief of Staff for Representative Henry Waxman, the Democratic Staff Director for the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and the Policy Director for Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle. He also served as President Obama’s Director of Legislative Affairs from 2009 to 2010, a Special Advisor to the President in 2011, and the President’s Health Care Advisor in 2014. In addition to advising Grow New Mexico, he is Managing Director of Schiliro Barnett, a consulting business that focuses on non-proft organizations.